BOOK REVIEW: THE RAVEN BOYS BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER By Amanda Perry Book review for The Raven Boys Author: Maggie Stiefvater Standalone or Series: Book 1 in a 4 part series Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (Sept 18, 2012) Basic Blurb: It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them-not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can't entirely explain. He has it all-family money, good looks, devoted friends-but he's looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Review:  There were many times I walked through my local bookstore and picked up this book, only to put it down and choose something else. I just was not quite sure about it. I read Maggie’s “Wolves of Mercy Falls” series and liked it quite a bit, but there was something about this book before I read it, it just didn't quite seem to be calling me. Finally when it was released in paperback I decided I was ready for it. Picture this if you will…. Ultimate fan-girling, clutching said paper back to ones chest while shouting “Oh MY Goodness, Get out”, falling back on to the bed and into a coma brought on by your book hangover. That’s pretty much how this book was, from start to finish. Key words there being “pretty much” Overall this story was absolutely amazing. The first Chapter blew me away with… “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Marks Eve, Blue. Either you’re his one true love,” Neeve said, “or you killed him.” TALK ABOUT A GREAT HOOK! From this point on I was completely enthralled. While I realize that a lot of YA paranormals seem to have the same general concept lately, the author manages to put a new spin on things. I have also come to see that with this particular author things don’t seem quite as farfetched as they do in so many other stories in this genre. The story is mainly focused on this sweet girl, Blue, who lives with her crazy family of all female clairvoyants, and a group of boys who attend a private school in her hometown. The boys are on a search for a Ley Line and that search brings the boys into Blue's life in some very unexpected ways. Maggie's writing is a little on the dry side. I mean that in a very good way though, think British humor v.s. American and you’ll start to get the idea. I personally am a huge fan of her writing style. The beginning of chapter 3, where the author describes Blue’s house during the morning rush, was phenomenal. This paragraph was perfectly written and left me feeling like I was standing in this girl’s kitchen and fighting my own crazy aunts for the bathroom.                                                                        The only disappointing thing about this book was the ending. Somewhere around chapter 39 or so, for whatever reason, the author diverted from her calm, descriptive story telling way. She began to rush things that really need not have been rushed. The whole climax of the story was smushed . She skimped on descriptions and flew through some of the most important scenes of the book. It was a real bummer. She also left so many things unanswered. I understand that this leaves room for sequels but every good novel should be able to stand on its own. In my opinion sequels should be optional, not necessary. Also because the ending was so rushed I feel like I missed out on something. The author jumps to a few days later as life is going on and I still don’t fully understand what the heck happened to Adam. Honestly if you enjoy YA this is a must read. It is a great book. There are some seriously shocking twists and the whole story is told in a completely believable realistic way. Maggie Stiefvater is a story telling champion whose books do exactly what a good book should, transport you to another time and place where anything can happen and your right in the center of it all. I can’t wait for the next book. Just For Fun Some Memorable Quotes from the book: “Fate is a very weighty word to throw around before breakfast.” “I guess now would be a good time to tell you. I took Chainsaw out of my dreams.” “My words are unerring tools of destruction, and I’ve come unequipped with the ability to disarm them.” If you enjoyed this review, show your support by leaving a comment for the author, or sharing it among your social network.